Social Justice Ministry Directs Manipur Governor to Review Eviction Drives in Valley Districts
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has asked Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to review eviction drives taking place in valley districts after a memorandum from residents of Lei Ingkhol village raised serious concerns about biased actions, fraudulent surveys and lack of rehabilitation. The memorandum — submitted on August 30 and followed by protests on September 5 — describes Lei Ingkhol as a long-established settlement of around 759 residents in 156 households that dates back to the 1940s; local social groups, especially women volunteers, staged sit-ins across Imphal East to oppose the eviction operations. The Ministry’s intervention came via a letter from Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale asking the Governor to instruct officials to examine the drives and act promptly.
What happened — the facts on the ground (plain language)
- On August 30, residents of Lei Ingkhol village in Imphal East submitted a detailed memorandum outlining alleged problems with ongoing eviction operations. The memorandum was handed to Maheshwar Thounaojam, leader of the Republican Party of India’s Manipur unit.
- On September 5, residents — organized under the banner “Lei-Inkhol Kanba Lup” — protested outside Raj Bhavan in Imphal demanding the Governor’s intervention. They accused authorities of biased enforcement, fraudulent surveys, unfulfilled promises, and inadequate rehabilitation options.
- Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale responded by writing directly to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, asking that the eviction drives in valley districts be thoroughly examined and that relevant officials be instructed to act promptly.
So, what looks like a local dispute quickly escalated to a ministry-level review — and that’s significant. It means the central government recognizes potential issues around fairness and rehabilitation in how these evictions are being handled.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What prompted the Ministry of Social Justice to intervene in Manipur?
A: A detailed memorandum from Lei Ingkhol village (submitted on August 30) and subsequent protests led Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale to write to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla asking for a thorough review of eviction drives in valley districts.
Q2: How many people live in Lei Ingkhol village and what are their needs?
A: According to the memorandum cited in reports, Lei Ingkhol had around 759 residents in 156 households as of April 2025; many residents rely on welfare schemes and are economically vulnerable, making rehabilitation a critical need.
Q3: Are the eviction drives illegal by default?
A: Not necessarily. Evictions can be lawful if they follow due process and include fair rehabilitation. The concern here is about alleged fraudulent surveys, biased actions and lack of viable rehabilitation, which — if proven — would render the drives unjust and possibly unlawful.
Q4: What immediate actions should the Governor take?
A: A credible review: verify survey data, audit procedures, pause forced evictions until rehabilitation plans are verified, hold community consultations, and involve independent experts and civil society in the process.
Q5: How can ordinary citizens help the affected families?
A: Citizens can support by raising awareness, donating to verified relief efforts, volunteering with local NGOs, documenting procedural violations, and urging elected representatives to press for humane rehabilitation measures.
